Organizing system and method

ABSTRACT

An organizing system and method is described. In one embodiment, the organizing system includes a plurality of divider panels, where at least two of the divider panels have a plurality of corrugations. The organizing system also includes a plurality of connectors that join the divider panels in order to form a plurality of compartments, where the divider panels function as walls of the compartments, and where the at least two divider panels overlap along their corrugations in order to vary the dimensions of at least one wall of at least one compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drawer organizers are typically used to organize items such as officesupplies, kitchen utensils, tools, etc., in drawers. Drawer organizersenable a user to readily access items and also minimize clutter. Simpledrawer organizers typically include a set number of compartments havingvarious sizes that accommodate different types of items. For example, adrawer organizer may have a long and narrow compartment for pens andpencils, a small compartment for paper clips, a large compartment formiscellaneous items, etc.

One problem with conventional drawer organizers is that they may nothave enough compartments or the compartments may not be the optimalsizes. Because drawer organizers are typically molded out of plastic, auser cannot change the configurations of the compartments. Consequently,typical drawer organizers may have limited use with respect to some ofits compartments. Some drawer organizers may be assembled to createdifferent sized compartments. One problem with such organizers is thatthe resulting compartment sizes may be limited, because componentsthemselves may have set, pre-determined dimensions.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved system and method fororganizing drawers. The present invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an organizing system and method. In oneembodiment, the organizing system includes a plurality of dividerpanels, where at least two of the divider panels have a plurality ofcorrugations. The organizing system also includes a plurality ofconnectors that join the divider panels in order to form a plurality ofcompartments, where the divider panels function as walls of thecompartments, and where the at least two divider panels overlap alongtheir corrugations in order to vary the dimensions of at least one wallof at least one compartment.

According to the system and method disclosed herein, a flexibleorganizing system is provided that accommodates multiple configurationsand dimensions for storing a variety of items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view diagram of an organizing system inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top-view of the organizing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective-view diagram of a divider panel and aperspective-view diagram of a connector in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a side-view of the divider panel of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is perspective-view diagram of a connector strip in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top-view diagram of the connector of FIG. 5 in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective-view diagram of connectors engaged over the topand bottom of two overlapping divider panels.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a process for assembling an organizingsystem in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top-view diagram of a piece of grid paper in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front-view diagram of a divider panel in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels joinedperpendicular to one another in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective-view diagram of four divider panels that areconnected by a connector that has four pairs of arms in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels that areconnected lengthwise by a connector that has two pairs of arms inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels that arelined up in such a way as to vary the length of a given compartment inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side-view diagram of the two divider panels of FIG. 14 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels that arelined up in such a way so as to vary the height of a given compartmentin accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective-view diagram of the two divider panels of FIG.16, where the divider panels are connected to each other by a connectorin accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to organizing systems, and moreparticularly to a system and method for organizing spaces. The followingdescription is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patentapplication and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferredembodiment and the generic principles and features described herein willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures described herein.

A system and method in accordance with the present invention fororganizing spaces are disclosed. The system includes divider panels andconnectors used to assemble an organizing system. The connectors jointhe divider panels in order to form compartments into which items suchas kitchen utensils, office supplies, etc., may be placed in anorganized manner. The divider panels function as the walls of thecompartments. Each divider panel is corrugated so that the two or moredivider panels may overlap along their corrugations in order to vary thedimensions of the walls of the compartments. The corrugations addstrength to the joints of the divider panels, as well as adding strengthto the overall organizing system. As a result, the organizing systemaccommodates multiple configurations and dimensions for storing avariety of items.

Although the present invention disclosed herein is described in thecontext of drawers, the present invention may apply to other types ofspaces such as boxes, cabinets, closets, shelves, etc., and still remainwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view diagram of an organizing system 100 inaccordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top-view of the organizingsystem 100 of FIG. 1. As FIGS. 1 and 2 show, the organizing system 100includes multiple divider panels 200 connected by connectors 202. Theassembly of divider panels 200 creates multiple compartments that a usermay use to store a variety of items such as kitchen utensils, officesupplies, tools, etc. As FIGS. 1 and 2 show, the divider panels 200function as walls of the compartments. Also, the sides of the drawer mayfunction as walls of the compartments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective-view diagram of a divider panel 200 and aconnector 202 in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 4 shows aside-view of the divider panel 200 of FIG. 3. As FIGS. 3 and 4 show, thedivider panel 200 is corrugated and includes multiple hill-valley cycles204 of corrugation. In accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein,the corrugations may serve several functions. For example, in oneembodiment, the corrugations provide structural strength to the dividerpanels in that they do not readily bend lengthwise due to thecorrugations. Because the divider panels are stronger, they may bethin-walled and light-weight. Because the divider panels arethin-walled, they may be easily cut to any height and length using anordinary pair of scissors. In one specific embodiment, a given dividerpanel may be 15 inches in length by 4 inches in height, and may be madeof transparent PVC.

FIG. 5 is perspective-view diagram of a connector strip 210 inaccordance with one embodiment. As FIG. 5 shows, the connector strip 210has notches 212. The notches 212 enable a user to snap or break up theconnector strip 210 into multiple connectors 202. For example, in onespecific embodiment, a given connector strip 210 may be 12 inches inlength each having 12 1-inch connectors that can be snapped off atdesired lengths (e.g., 1-inch increments).

FIGS. 6 is a top-view diagram of the connector 202 of FIG. 5 inaccordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, the connector 202 hasarms 220 that extend relatively long in relation to a divider panel inorder securely grab the divider panel. The arms 220 form a slot 222 intowhich one or more divider panels may be inserted. In one implementation,the arms 220 of the connector are at least long enough to span acrossone hill-valley cycle of corrugation when placed over the top or bottomof a given divider panel 200.

FIG. 7 is a perspective-view diagram of connectors 202 engaged over thetop and bottom of two overlapping divider panels 200 to fasten themtogether. As FIG. 7 shows, the arms 220 of a given connector 202 are atleast long enough to receive one hill-valley cycle 204 of a dividerpanel, thereby strengthening the connection between the connector 202and one or more divider panels.

As is also shown, the corrugations of one divider panel line up with oneor more corrugations of another divider panel. The overlappingcapabilities of the divider panels 200 is advantageous, because theoverlapping increases the effective integral strength of the dividerpanels where the divider panels join and thereby strengthen the walls ofthe compartments of the organizing system 100. As described in moredetail below, overlapping divider panels also function to vary thedimensions (e.g., length or height) of the one or more compartmentwalls.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a process for assembling an organizingsystem in accordance with one embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, aset of divider panels 200, connectors 202 and sheets of grid paper areprovided to consumers as a kit. The process of assembling the organizingsystem begins in step 802 where the user determines the dimensions ofthe inside of the drawer. After determining the dimensions, the userinserts a grid paper 801 into the drawer.

FIG. 9 is a top-view diagram of a piece of grid paper 801 in accordancewith one embodiment. Referring to both FIGS. 8 and 9, in step 804, theuser determines the dimensions of the compartments, where thecompartments utilize the space within the dimensions of the inside ofthe drawer. In one embodiment, to determine the dimensions, the user mayplace the items for which the user wants compartments on the grid paper801 and then outline a box around each item using a pen or pencil. Oncethis process is completed, the user is ready to configure and assemblethe organizing system. The user may then remove all of the items fromthe grid paper 801.

In step, 806, the user cuts the divider panels to fit the dimensions ofthe compartments. In one embodiment, the user may place one of thedivider panels on the grid paper 801 and then mark the divider panelwith a pencil or pen at the appropriate length to match the dividerpanel with a given side of one of the boxes outlined on the grid paper801. The user repeats these marking steps for each side of each boxoutlined on the grid paper 801 until the divider panels needed to forall sides of the outlines boxes are marked. The user may then cut thedivider panels 200 to the appropriate lengths as marked until the userhas enough divider panels 200 to assemble the organizing system.

FIG. 10 is a front-view diagram of a divider panel 200 in accordancewith one embodiment. FIG. 10 shows example markings 1002 and 1004 acrosswhich the user cuts. FIG. 10 shows a marking 1002 for cutting thedivider panel 200 to an appropriate length. In one implementation, theuser may allow a predefined length (e.g., ¼ inch) to accommodate for thethickness of the connector 202. As such, the user cuts a given dividerpanel 200 to the desired length minus the predefined length (e.g., ¼inch).

With regard to the height of the drawer, typical drawers are either 2inches or 4 inches in height. Accordingly, if the drawer is 4 inches inheight, the 4-inch high divider panels may be used directly, withouthaving to cut them to reduce the height. If the drawer has a 2 inchheight, the user may cut the strips in half lengthwise following thecorrugated ribs. FIG. 10 shows a marking 1004 for cutting the dividerpanel 200 to an appropriate height. Cutting the strips in half providestwice the amount of strips is needed for a 2 inch depth drawer and wouldthus provide enough strips for another drawer.

After the user cuts the divider panels to the desired sizes, the usersnaps or breaks off connectors 202 from the connector strips 210. Asdescribed above, the user may break off connectors at a desired length.For example, length of a given connector 202 may be equal to the heightof a given divider panel (e.g., 4 inches).

Next, in step 808, the user assembles the organizer system using theresulting connectors and dividers. More specifically, the user attachesdivider panels 200 together using the connectors 202. As shown below,divider panels 200 may be joined in a number of differentconfigurations. For example, in one embodiment, a user may join twodivider panels lengthwise as shown in FIG. 7 above.

FIG. 11 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels joinedperpendicular (e.g., at a 90 degree angle) to one another in accordancewith one embodiment. As FIG. 11 shows, the connector 202 is connected tothe side of one divider panel, and the connector 202 receives anotherdivider panel into its arms. Alternatively, the connector 202 may attachto the side of a drawer wall. In particular embodiments, when a givenconnector 202 is attached directly to the inside wall of a drawer, theorganizing system utilizes the inside of the drawer as a part of theorganizing system (e.g., a side of one or more compartments of theorganizing system 100 as shown above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2).

In one embodiment, adhesive tape is pre-attached or attached by the userto the rear of the connectors 202. As such, the user removes a non-stickbacking from the adhesive tape. The user then presses the exposed tapeagainst the side of divider panel 200 or drawer wall.

FIG. 12 is a perspective-view diagram of four divider panels 200 thatare connected by a connector 1200 that has four pairs of arms, where theslots of the arms face radially outward from the center of the connector1200 and received the divider panels 200, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels 200 that areconnected lengthwise by a connector 1300 that has two pairs of arms inaccordance with one embodiment. As FIG. 13 shows, the slots of the armsface opposite directions and receive divider panels 200 from oppositedirections.

FIG. 14 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels 200 that arelined up in such a way as to vary the length of a given compartment inaccordance with one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side-view diagram of thetwo divider panels 200 of FIG. 14 in accordance with one embodiment. AsFIG. 14 shows, the divider panels 200 may slide relative to one anotherbefore being joined by a connector (as shown in FIG. 7) in order to varythe length of a given compartment. In particular embodiments, thedivider panels 200 may overlap to not only increase and decrease theireffective combined length but also to provide rigidity along theoverlapping portions. In particular embodiments, divider panels may becombined such that the overlap extends along an entire length of acompartment wall to provide additional strength.

Because the divider panels 200 may slide back and forth relative to oneanother, the actual length of the combined divider panels may varywithout being limited to any particular incremental lengths. In oneembodiment, a connector may be connected along the bottom and/or top ofthe overlap portion of the divider panels (as shown in FIG. 7) in orderto securely join divider panels and to provide additional structuralstrength at the joint and to the overall organizing system. As such, thecombination of the overlapping portions of the divider panels and theconnector provide strength at the joint.

FIG. 16 is a perspective-view diagram of two divider panels 200 that arelined up in such a way so as to vary the height of a given compartmentin accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective-view diagramof the two divider panels 200 of FIG. 16, where the divider panels 200are fastened to each other by a connector 202 in accordance with oneembodiment. As FIGS. 16 and 17 show, the divider panels 200 may beoverlapped to increase the effective height of the combined dividerpanels. Because each of the divider panels 200 has corrugations, theactual height of the combined divider panels may vary depending on whichof their respective corrugations are lined up. One benefit of increasingthe height of the compartments is that the full height of a given drawermay be utilized. In one embodiment, different divider panels may becombined in ways so as to provide compartments of different heights.This may be useful, for example, when a user wants a particularcompartment to be higher than other compartments. In other words, thewalls of one or more compartments may be a different height (e.g.,higher) than the walls of other compartments.

Overlapping divider panels provides not only adjustable wall heights forthe compartments but also provides rigidity along the overlappingportions. In particular embodiments, divider panels may be combined suchthat the overlap extends along an entire height of a compartment wall toprovide additional strength.

In one embodiment, connectors 202 may be broken off from a connectorstrip 210 at the appropriate length. In one embodiment, the length ofthe resulting connector may match the effective height of the combineddivider panels 200. For example, if a connector strip 210 is 12 inchesin length, multiple divider panels 200 may be overlapped to form a12-inch high compartment in a very tall drawer.

In particular embodiments, overlapping divider panels 200 may beinserted into a slot of a given connector 202 to form a joint. As such,the combination of the overlapping portions of the divider panels andthe connector provide strength at the joint.

In one embodiment, the divider panels may be bent or curved intodifferent shapes in order to create compartments of different shapes.For example, in one embodiment, a given divider panel may be bent at anangle from anywhere between 0 degrees to 180 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees)along a given corrugation. In one embodiment, another divider panel maybe connected to the bent divider panel to increase the effective length.In one embodiment, a divider panel may be bent into curves. In oneembodiment, another curved divider panel may be connected to the curveddivider panel to increase the length of the curve. Alternatively, astraight divider panel may be connected to the curved divider panel toextend its reach.

As FIG. 1 shows, divider panels are typically orientated such that thecorrugations run horizontally. If a bent divider panel were used as acompartment wall, the divider panel would be orientated such that thecorrugations run vertically instead of horizontally.

Once all the divider panels 200 are connected, the user may then placethe organizing system 100 into the drawer, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Items may then be placed in the custom-made compartments of theorganizing system 100.

According to the system and method disclosed herein, the presentinvention provides numerous benefits. For example, embodiments of thepresent invention provide a flexible organizing system is provided thataccommodates multiple configurations and dimensions for storing avariety of items. Embodiments of the present invention also providerobust compartments.

The present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown. One of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and thatany variations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

1. An organizing system comprising: a plurality of divider panels,wherein at least two of the divider panels have a plurality ofcorrugations; and a plurality of connectors that join the divider panelsin order to form a plurality of compartments, wherein the divider panelsfunction as walls of the compartments, and wherein the at least twodivider panels overlap along their corrugations in order to vary thedimensions of at least one wall of at least one compartment.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the at least two divider panels are configuredto overlap to vary a length of a wall of at least one of thecompartments.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least two dividerpanels are configured to overlap to vary a height of a wall of at leastone of the compartments.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the at leasttwo divider panels are configured to overlap to vary a height of thewalls of at least one compartment such that the at least one compartmentis a different height from other compartments.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein at least one connector is configured to join the at least twodivider panels at overlapping portions of the at least two dividerpanels.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein a combination of the dividerpanels being corrugated, the divider panels overlapping, and theconnector joining the divider panels at overlapping portions providesstructural strength to the organizing system.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein at least one divider panel is configured to bend at an angle. 8.The system of claim 1 wherein at least one divider panel is configuredto be curved.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein a wall of a drawer mayfunction as a wall of one or more compartments.
 10. A method comprising:determining a plurality of dimensions of a plurality of desiredcompartments, wherein the plurality of compartments utilize space withindimensions of an inside of a drawer; cutting a plurality of dividerpanels to fit the plurality of dimensions of the compartments, whereinat least two of the divider panels have a plurality of corrugations; andassembling an organizer system using the plurality of divider panels anda plurality of connectors that join the divider panels in order to forma plurality of compartments, wherein the divider panels function aswalls of the compartments, and wherein the at least two divider panelsoverlap along their corrugations in order to vary the dimensions of atleast one wall of at least one compartment.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein the at least two divider panels are configured to overlap tovary a length of a wall of at least one of the compartments.
 12. Themethod of claim 10 wherein the at least two divider panels areconfigured to overlap to vary a height of a wall of at least one of thecompartments.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least twodivider panels are configured to overlap to vary a height of the wallsof at least one compartment such that the at least one compartment is adifferent height from other compartments.
 14. The method of claim 10wherein at least one connector is configured to join the at least twodivider panels at overlapping portions of the at least two dividerpanels.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein a combination of the dividerpanels being corrugated, the divider panels overlapping, and theconnector joining the divider panels at overlapping portions providesstructural strength to the organizing system.
 16. The method of claim 10wherein at least one divider panel is configured to bend at an angle.17. The method of claim 10 wherein at least one divider panel isconfigured to be curved.
 18. The method of claim 10 wherein a wall of adrawer functions as a wall of one or more compartments.